President Clinton last night issued a statement saying he "shared the regret" of all Irish people at the setback to the peace process. However, he said he was convinced that it was possible to achieve full implementation of the Belfast Agreement by the spring.
President Clinton's full statement reads:
"I share the regret that the people of Ireland and Northern Ireland feel at the setback in the peace process. They have voted overwhelmingly for peace. They want a permanent end to violence and to the potential for violence. The cry for a peaceful, inclusive, democratic society in Northern Ireland has never been stronger.
"Real progress has been made on all sides towards fulfilling the solemn commitments spelled out in the Good Friday agreement. It is incumbent on all parties to carry out all their obligations under that accord. I am convinced that it is possible to achieve full implementation of this historic agreement in all its aspects by next spring, as contemplated by its terms.
"The British and Irish governments intend to conduct over the next few weeks an interim review of the implementation of the agreement aimed at overcoming the hurdles in the peace process.
"For the future of all the people of Northern Ireland who want an enduring peace and a normal life, I call upon all those involved to find the way to get the peace process back on track. I am ready to assist Prime Minister Blair, Prime Minister Ahern and the parties in any way I can to achieve this goal."
The White House spokesman, Mr Joe Lockhart, earlier said the latest development was "a setback for the process". However, he noted that the British government had ordered a review of the agreement.
He said Mr Clinton had not made any calls within the last 24 hours to any of the leaders involved. The President was yesterday occupied with the visit of the new Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Ehud Barak.
The breakdown in the implementation of the agreement must be a disappointment to Mr Clinton, who invested much time to help secure it in April last year and since then in encouraging the political leaders to implement it.
In recent weeks he has tried to persuade the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, and his fellow unionists that the Way Forward blueprint was an acceptable compromise. He emphasised that they could always "walk away" after the executive was set up if the IRA failed to decommission later.